Assisted living in Texas: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Texas, and what to check before you choose.
What Texas calls it
In Texas, assisted living is licensed under the term “Assisted Living Facility (ALF)”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Long-Term Care Regulatory is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
Texas lists assisted living among the services in STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services, a Medicaid program for people who would otherwise need nursing facility care. Eligibility rules apply, including Medicaid approval and an HHSC assessment.
Help and complaints
Texas Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Texas
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission licenses assisted living facilities as Type A or Type B depending on whether residents need staff help to leave the building, can follow emergency directions and need nighttime attendance.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Texas?
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Long-Term Care Regulatory.